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Joanne Maino's avatar

The number of mothers who can relate to this excerpt is likely countless. Spot on, as always!

"All of which makes me think I might not control the universe— which could mean a more relaxing way of life might be possible for me, but then could also mean a disappointing loss of personal power."

xxoo

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jen parker's avatar

I mean, let's be honest: we kind of do control the universe. Don't we?? Thanks for reading, Mrs.❤️

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Chris Leupold's avatar

Dear Jen,

I just read this. Boy! I started out laughing. Then I teared up and then… back to laughing…but with your returned calendar - tears again! Nostalgia is one of the most beautifully painful emotions. This wonderful letter brought that one out in spades.

Thank you for sharing.

Chris

Ps it’s intimidating to offer a comment. I’m self conscious of my writing when addressing a the author of something this beautifully written😉

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jen parker's avatar

Chris! Thanks for reading, laughing, tearing up AND commenting; I think this response is written quite perfectly in fact. You made me tear up!

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Maggie Perks's avatar

How fun it is to picture all these scenes you share! I can hardly believe it’s C’s turn to make you proud, hopeful, and bereft!

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jen parker's avatar

Me either! The baby who was napping every afternoon at school pick up time which meant you picked up A & G more than I did for a few years ;)

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Irena Smith's avatar

First of all, I would 100 percent enroll in your TV class. I really don't see why TV Professor is not a thing. In fact, there should be specializations—Soap Opera, Tasteless Sitcoms of the '70s and '80s, Brady Bunch: The Show and the Behind-the-Scenes Trivia, the Swoony Miniseries, How to Make Things With Coconuts, etc.

Second, ALL of this, by which I mean the tears barely held at bay, the pride, the ache, the business pajamas (!), and of course tthe reminder that more often than not, people are *not,* in fact, out to get you (Elsa is my new hero). Also, I too have experienced the stunning realization that the universe can operate without me and my catastrophizing, and I could not agree more that it is freeing and disappointing in equal measure.

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jen parker's avatar

My first student! Though I actually don’t think I can teach you anything you don’t already know, so maybe you can TA?

Thank you for reading and restacking, my fellow catastrophizer. Together we’ll get ahead of every unpleasant or bad outcome by writing all of it into the ground ;)

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Wendy Donner's avatar

This one had me with lol and tears throughout. What a gift. 🙏🏼

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jen parker's avatar

AH, Wendy. The combo I strive for :) Thank you ❤️

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Laurel Miranda's avatar

I would love to take your advanced traveling w medication class. 😂

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jen parker's avatar

Oh I think we'll be co-teaching that one ;)

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Jill Martin's avatar

Love this ! Brought back great memories of taking kids on college visits . And all the mixed emotions that go along with it .

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jen parker's avatar

Thank you, Jill❤️

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